Location
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The linked parishes are located on the north side of the Black Isle, which is close to the City of Inverness and the market town of Dingwall. The setting is popular with people who enjoy living in the country, yet with the convenience of the city nearby. It is an ideal location for people who enjoy the quietness of the area, without lacking the convenience of services. Both Parishes, and the various communities within them, form part of the larger Black Isle community. The communities of the Black Isle have long shared a common identity, which is strengthened with all being served by a single secondary school.
The Manse is located in Culbokie. The village is only 12 miles from Inverness, and five from Dingwall. Inverness is a large city with a full range of shops, services and amenities. Dingwall has a good range of shops and other facilities. Culbokie itself was a small village that has grown considerably in recent years and is within easy commuting distance of Inverness.
The two centres of worship, Cromarty and Culbokie are separated by a distance of 15 miles, which takes, on average, 25 minutes by car. The parishes are largely rural with a substantial farming community as well as those who commute to work. While worship is concentrated in the two main villages, a significant proportion of the population of both parishes reside in the countryside surrounding these villages.
There is a new primary school in Culbokie, completed in 2007, while secondary age children travel to Fortrose Academy, both of which are known for their high standards. There are three other primary schools within the parishes, at Ferintosh, Resolis and Cromarty. The church has established links with all of the primary schools. Inverness has a further education college, while the prospective University of the Highland & Islands has campuses in both Inverness and Dingwall. The Dingwall campus is at Highland Theological College, which has a 65,000 volume library that is open to local people to make use of.
There are medical practices in Dingwall and Cromarty. There is a large acute hospital with A&E in Inverness and a community hospital with minor injury unit in Dingwall. Leisure facilities are available in Fortrose and in Dingwall, which includes a swimming pool. The area is popular with those who enjoy outdoor activities such as walking, cycling, kayaking and sailing.
The rail network can be accessed from the stations in Dingwall and Inverness. There is also an airport at Inverness which has scheduled flights to main UK airports as well as some charters to destinations further afield.
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